St. Francis Xavier Parish Knights of Columbus #17105
We are Catholic gentlemen putting our faith in action with projects to support our parish and the McKean community through faith, family, community, life, and other special activities. Through collaboration with other ministries, we work to make our parish a place where people look forward to coming together to worship God and practice the Catholic faith.
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Chartered in September 2018, we meet at 7:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month at the church. To learn more about our Knights council, please contact our Grand Knight, Tom Blecki at tom.blecki@roadrunner.com or 814-602-3153. |
Service Activities
Our members support the ongoing operation of the parish by serving as ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, and live stream operators. Additionally, we assist with church cleaning, church decorating for holy days, grounds maintenance, counting the weekly collections and special projects as requested by the pastor.
Life – As part of the Knights of Columbus ASAP program, we conducted a crib collection campaign for baby items for the Women’s Care Center of Erie County. During the two weeks of the campaign, we collected baby items, gift cards and cash with an estimated value of over $1,500. Additionally, donations included 15 quilted blankets and 2 crocheted blankets that are priceless. All of the items were gladly received by the Women’s Care Center.
| Life - In collaboration with Knights of Columbus Councils across the Erie Diocese, we participated in a Baby Bottle campaign in the spring of 2022. The campaign raised over $100,000 to purchase this mobile ultrasound unit vehicle. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council purchased the ultrasound equipment for the vehicle. This will allow the Women’s Care Center of Erie County, Inc. to provide ultrasound services to mothers in rural areas across Erie and Crawford counties. |  |
Faith – The St. Francis Xavier Knights of Columbus collaborated with other parish members to decorate the church for Christmas. 
COMMUNITY -- The council conducts an annual Coats for Kids distribution for families in need of winter coats. This year, over 250 new coats were distributed to children and adults on our local distribution day and through collaborating area partner organizations. St. Francis Xavier Hospitality Ministry and ladies from the parish provide treats.
FAITH
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In collaboration with other ministries in our parish we help support three of our members who are answering God’s call for vocations through their studies at St. Mark Seminary. The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council support these activities through their RSVP program. |
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Community Service – Removed a diverse variety of debris from a 3 mile section of Edinboro Road.
Special Projects –Two members of our council traveled to Cary, NC and collaborated with members of the Cary council to load and transport parts for our new organ to McKean.
Social Activities - "Fun"raisers
Annual Mardi Gras -- Each year, we organize and coordinate the St. Francis Xavier Parish Annual Mardi Gras to provide the adults in our parish and community with a special Lenten preparation event. Proceeds from this special evening support parish improvements.
| Party – Many members of our Knights of Columbus council along with their wives gathered for an evening of socialization at the St. Francis Ushers Club. Everyone had an enjoyable time. | .jpg) |
Annual Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament -- Our golf tournament is fast becoming a popular event for both our friends and parish members to enjoy a game of golf, socialize and win prizes. Proceeds from this event benefit the local charities and operations of our council.
Additional Knights of Columbus Council Service Activities
- Distribute St. Hubert Metals to parish hunters and their families.
- Provide materials for the parish Evangelization programs.
- Support the annual setup and removal of church decorations for special holidays.
- Provide special support for First Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
- Execute special projects to complete electrical work and maintain the parish facility.
- Participate in on-going parish roles as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, live streaming operators, youth programs, collection reconciliation, gardening, cleaning and vacuuming the church, and other services as needed.
- Support the Julia House and Palliative Care Construction Fund and St. Francis Xavier Sunshine Circle.
Council Officers
| Grand Knight | Tom Blecki |
| Financial Secretary | Jim Sykes |
| Deputy Grand Knight | Dean Morehouse |
| Chancellor | Jim Sykes |
| Recorder | Marty Skladanowski |
| Treasurer | Tom Weber |
| Advocate | Jim Johnson |
| Warden | Jim Lazan |
| Outside Guard | Kevin Campbell |
| One Year Trustee | Paul Wilkosz |
| Two Year Trustee | Ed Matheis |
| Three Year Trustee | Rob Damore |
| Chaplain | Father Ben Daghir |